Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Karen Wardle’s testimony of having a mind set on Christ will encourage your heart.

Our scripture is from Mark 12:30 (NIV): “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

My journey through three decades of abuse was a dark and tumultuous path. Each day felt like a battle, and my focus was entirely on my suffering. I lived in a constant state of turmoil; my mind fixated on my pain and the insurmountable challenges I faced. This cycle of self-centered anguish left little room for anything else, let alone God.

One day, as I reflected on my life, I realized my focus was misplaced. 

"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds” (Psalms 9:1 ESV).

This verse resonated deeply within me. It dawned on me that my heart and mind had been consumed by my problems, leaving no space for gratitude or acknowledgment of God's presence and goodness in my life. My mind was trapped in a loop of negativity, preventing me from experiencing the peace that comes from focusing on God's love and grace.

Understanding this, I knew a change was necessary. I needed to redirect my thoughts and place my trust in God.

Mark 12:30 teaches us to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." This commandment urged me to shift my mental focus from my hardships to the love and strength found in God. My mind needed to be realigned with His truth and His promises.

In an act of rededication, I chose to be re-baptized in the Jordan River in Israel. This was a profound and symbolic gesture, representing my desire to wash away the old thought patterns and embrace a renewed mindset rooted in faith.

As I emerged from the waters, I felt a sense of peace and clarity I had never known. Once cluttered with pain and self-pity, my mind was now focused on God and His son Jesus. This transformation did not happen overnight, but with each passing day, I learned to direct my thoughts towards God's goodness. I began to practice gratitude, praising Him for the blessings in my life, no matter how small. By meditating on His Word and spending time in prayer, my mind gradually found rest in His presence.

Today, I can genuinely say that I know peace like never before. The storms of life still come, but my mind is anchored in the steadfast love of God. The verses I mention serve as constant reminders to keep my thoughts centered on Him, to love Him with all my mind, and to give thanks with all my heart. Through this journey, I have discovered that true peace is found not in the absence of trials but in the presence of God. 

Where are your thoughts right now? Is your mind properly centered upon Christ, or are the things of this world bogging you down? If so, consider rededicating yourself to God through Christ Jesus, the only true way to peace and joy in Him.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com/